Process intensification in biodiesel production with energy reduction by pinch analysis

The overall process of biodiesel synthesis from vegetable oil and methanol is spontaneous according to Gibbs energy values. Therefore, a classical process scheme consisting of reactor followed by distillation columns train is grouped in a single hybrid reactive extraction column. Minimum energy consumption is calculated using Pinch Analysis, taking into account the minimum energy thermodynamically required by process units, e.g. distillation. Process Integration decreases dramatically the minimum energy requirements. Using Pinch Analysis, a useful tool is provided to calculate the minimum energy requirements of alternative processes, the effect of inclusion of the distillation column is to be underlined.